What is Afro-Surrealism?

Afro-Surrealism is a cultural and artistic movement that applies Surrealist techniques to explore the African diaspora experience. Unlike traditional Surrealism’s focus on dreams, Afro-Surrealism addresses the already surreal nature of Black existence under systems of oppression, examining how reality itself can be stranger than dreams. The movement encompasses visual art, literature, film, and music, with artists using dreamlike imagery to examine identity, history, trauma, and liberation. D. Scot Miller’s 2009 manifesto formally defined the movement, but its roots extend through decades of Black artistic expression. In cinema, films like ‘Get Out,’ ‘Atlanta,’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’ represent an Afro-Surrealist resurgence. Video artists like Christie Neptune explore Afro-Surrealist sci-fi futures. The movement continues gaining visibility and critical recognition.